Here's Why You Should Visit This Lesser-Known National Park In Kashmir

OT Staff

The Wildlife Is Stunning

Salim Ali National Park is home to wildlife species like the Kashmir stag (hangul), musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard and Himalayan serow.

A Himalayan serow | the_article___/Instagram

It’s A Birder’s Paradise

The park boasts a rich diversity of avifauna amidst its lush landscapes and water bodies. Over 70 species of birds have been recorded here, including sunbirds, kingfishers, eagles, black bulbuls and blue magpies.

A Sri Lanka blue magpie or Ceylon magpie | Shutterstock

The Flora Is Spectacular

Salim Ali National Park has gorgeous mangrove shrubbery that supports a diverse ecosystem of avian and mammalian wildlife.

Salim Ali National Park has gorgeous mangrove shrubbery | Shutterstock

It’s Committed To Conservation

Conservation efforts at the national park focus on habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring and community engagement initiatives. The park also serves as a centre for scientific research and environmental education.

A Kashmir stag (hangul) | Shutterstock

Nearby Places To Visit

There are many scenic places to visit near Salim Ali National Park. Here are four of them that are perfect for nature lovers.

A view of Dal Lake in Srinagar | Shutterstock

Shalimar Bagh

Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden in Srinagar that is linked through a channel to the northeast of Dal Lake. The Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his spouse Noor Jahan in 1619.

A scenic view of Shalimar Bagh | Shutterstock

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Asia’s largest tulip garden is situated at the base of the Zabarwan Range. It opened in 2007 and has about 1.7 million tulip bulbs that were brought from Amsterdam.

Tulips at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Nigeen Lake

Surrounded by a large number of willow and poplar trees, this lake has come to be referred as “Nageena,” which means “the jewel in the ring.” It is a major tourist attraction that is known for its pristine waters.

Nigeen Lake has a large number of willow and poplar trees | Shutterstock

Chashma Shahi

This is a Mughal garden that was built around a freshwater spring which flows through its centre in terraces. The garden is divided into three sections: an aqueduct, a waterfall and fountains.

A bee sits on a flower in Chashma Shahi | Shutterstock

How To Reach Salim Ali National Park

Take a flight to Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) and then book a taxi to cover the 12 kilometres to Salim Ali National Park.

The clock tower of Lal Chowk in Srinagar | Shutterstock

10 Lakes To Visit On Your Kashmir Tour

The beautiful Sheshnag Lake, or Sheshnag Jheel | Shutterstock
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